Pain Management & Work Hardening

Pain management programs

The claim manager determines if a vocational assessment is needed. This can be done before or in conjunction with the screening evaluation or pain management program. This decision is made on a case by case basis based on the worker's claim file. See Chapter 34: Chronic Pain Management, for more information about referring to a pain management program.

Work hardening programs

Providers can identify workers who may benefit from these programs and discuss referral options with the claim manager.

Prior to a worker entering a work hardening program, the provider should:

Provide a job analysis for the program goal to the work hardening provider.

Explore return-to-work options including the previous job to identify a job goal.

Assist with job modifications, if appropriate.

During a program the provider should:

Maintain contact with all parties.

Attend worker conferences.

Review work hardening reports.

Providers should bill work hardening services as part of the referral.